HERE is the information about a new book I'm definitely wanting for Christmas. It's called the faces of Layla and it is photos of the orphanage in Ethiopia Juergen and I love to raise money for. I believe a large amount of the money from this book will go to the Layla house. You can buy this book HERE.

Kim just wrote in a comment about this family adopting from Ethiopia. You can also read the really great blog called Owlheaven. They also adopted from Ethiopia. If fact I read about this book on their blog. And if you think you may want to adopt from Ethiopia, AAI is a wonderful agency to work with. We used them when we adopted Philip and Thomas. I just noticed AAI has a very cool new web page! Very cool!

Here is my 2ND slide show. It's called your love makes me sing. I tried so hard to fit everyones photos in, but I just couldn't do it. I thought I had gotten all the photos in the show when I discovered my spam folder was full with over 20 extra pictures. OK, I now have a folder marked Slide show 3! I have spent far to much time in front of my computer, and away from my family this week. It's been a real joy to see all your beautiful children! I got some great e-mail this week. Thank you so much for the feed back. I got one letter today that really touched me. The women wrote...
"Thank you for putting this together (the first slide show). My husband has been rather reluctant, and I was watching
it just as he came in the door from work. Knowing that this wasn't random abstract adoption experiences, but real children with a real home for Christmas, struck a chord within him. God used you in a powerful way in our decision, and he was very moved by your work of art. Thank you for taking the time to do this, moreover, putting it out there to champion kids who need a home."

If we get just one more kid home it would be the greatest blessing! Nothing sells adoption like your beautiful, happy, wonderful children. I'll make number 3 (and maybe even number 4) in time for Valentine's day. If you sent me a photo and you didn't get into this show, you will be in the next one. Until then, I hope you enjoy this show.

Sarah is my nutcracker. Isn't she sweet!

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music. ~William Stafford


I found some music I love for my next slide show project. It's called "Your love makes me sing". It's not a Christmas song but I think it will make an extra special slide show. I want to start with the above quote, and at the end of the slide show write something like "help a child join in the choir...open your heart to adoption". If you want your child's photo in this slide show, then e-mail a jpg to me at my yahoo e-mail address, and put slide show in the subject line. One photo per child please. Also I would love kids from all over the world (domestic and international). Also, only adopted kids please. If you want your biological kids in the show, send me a photo with the biological kids with the adopted child. This is an adoption slide show...I'm sure you understand. Oh, I will need your child's first name. Thanks


You can e-mail us at our Yahoo address.
amy_heymann @ yahoo. de (remove the spaces)

01 Hallelujah(Your...

Other thoughts from today...
First I got an e-mail from the organization Shaohannah’s Hope. They liked the video and I guess as long as I don't use the video for a commercial purpose it's ok that I use the music of Steven Curtis Chapman. It is BTW a very good Christmas CD. We love it! Sarah falls to sleep listening to this CD every night now.
I've gotten some great feedback from the slideshow. This never hurts a persons self worth! Thank you for the great feedback! I've also gotten extra photos. I am thinking I should make another slide show. I need to choose some new music (Christmas music). If you didn't send me a photo in time for the last slide show, go ahead and send me one now. Please just one photo per child. Send it in jpg format and try to send an everyday life kind of picture. A close up looks better on you tube. Please post it to my yahoo mail on the side bar. I just love seeing your beautiful kids.

I don't think I really wrote much about Sarah's first play date last week. Sarah was pretty tired, and Philip and Thomas ended up playing with the little boy. She was suppose to go to his house this afternoon. I met his mom at the kindergarten. She looked stressed and afraid. She can not go home. Her husband beat her up. In fact, she was in the hospital last week. Now she is living in a women's home. My heart hurts for her. Please pray for her and her two beautiful children. Please pray for their protection. Her name starts with M, I don't even want to publish her name. I shake when I even think of such an awful thing. I'll be trying to help them but she also needs legal help and protection. I believe she has plans to move. Her children are beautiful and they deserve so much more!

I lost my links. If you would like me to add your blog link to my new list of links then please leave me a comment. We will rebuild... BIGGER,BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER, ...will will rise up from these ashes like the mighty Phoenix!

Well, I did it! I tried to change my blog templet and I backed up the HTML code. Somehow I managed to lose all my links and side bar information in the process. I'll try to recover the important stuff. Sorry!

I have had two people e-mail me today and they both wrote they do not know how to post a you tube video to their blog. I figured if two people don't know how to do it, at least 20 others don't understand how to do it. I am living with a husband that has a PhD in computer science. With out him, I wouldn't know how to do it either. There are no dumb questions! Here is the blind leading the blind...

1. Watch the video. At the end of my video, or any other you-tube video you watch there will be a message that reads embed.

2. You want to copy and past this information(the embed information) to a new blog post. How do you copy and paste? Here is a website that tells you how to copy stuff. It's a cool trick. If you don't know how to copy stuff...you'll be so happy to learn.

3. Leave me a comment if you decide to post the video to your blog. It's good for my ego!

I spent most of yesterday working on the adoption slide show, but I also made some time to do art work with the kids. We used glitter glue on plain coloring book pages. Once the glue is dry, I'll cut the pictures out and put them on colored paper for nice cards. The boys loved the glitter glue. Sometimes it's hard to get boys to sit down and do some arts and crafts. The glitter glue was a hit! Nicole did her own thing with paper plates (she is writing a book on paper plate crafts). Yesterday she made the cutest big mouth fish.

I just finished my Christmas adoption video. I was surprised it only took one day to make, but I received such great photos from families everywhere. Feel free to add it to your own blog, and tell others about it. The simple message is our kids are our greatest treasure...open your heart to adoption. I want to thank Juergen for letting me spend so much time in front of my computer today. He is such a great dad and husband!

I love the song by Steven Curtis Chapman-All I Really Want for Christmas. I would like to make a slide show of adopted kids using this song. I would post it to youtube. If I can get around 40-50 photos of adopted kids I would make this slide show. I want all sorts of kids pictures. Not just nice portraits, but action shots. In the park, pool, first day of school, Disneyland, eating, birthdays, holidays, sleeping. I only want one photo per child. I also want kids adopted from more then China. Domestic, and international. I would only put the child’s picture on the slide show, and maybe their first name. So if you have an adopted child and you want to be included in this youtube slide show, please send one photo (please just one photo) in jpg format to my yahoo address. Label the mail adoption slide show. Please add your child’s first name. I will post when the slide show is loaded to youtube. Thank you.

amy_heymann @ yahoo. de (remove the spaces)

When I was a child I remember a Christmas my brother got a football helmet, shoulder pads, a Dallas Cowboys jersey, and a new football. All I got was a new night gown, house coat, and slippers. I was so jealous. Last night I was kissing the boys good night. I noticed Thomas had a page of the Lego catalog taped to the wall next to his bed. I asked him what he wanted for Christmas. He said he wanted the whole page of Lego. After all, you just know "so and so" is going to get the whole page of Lego for Christmas. I said I'm not spending that much money on you. It was like $300 worth of Lego. Even if I have the money, I think that is way too much to spend on each child. There are far too many children in this world going to sleep on dirt floors with empty stomachs for me to justify such a purchase. You could see the look of disappointment on his face. I know what's going to happen next. Thomas is going to try to convince Philip and even Sarah they want the other pieces of Lego on that page. In his own way he is trying to keep up with the "Jones". That has everything to do with self worth. Thomas was not adopted until he was 7 years old. He still thinks it's his cool stuff that makes him worth something. The other kids at school re enforce that idea. I want to give him Jesus, but that is one gift he doesn't want...at least not yet. I don't think he will truely understand his worth until he sees himself the way God sees him. He is worth everything.

Philip had his MRI this morning. It will take awhile to take a close look at the 100+ photos, but it seemed to be clear of any obvious abnormalities. Juergens mom is dying from brain tumors so you can imagine how relieved I am his brain looks normal. Still, we are stuck with the question of what now? His memory is very poor. He has very serious learning problems. We are checking into the possibility of ADD-HD (Attention Deficit Disorder /Hyperactivity Disorder). If any of you know anything about this then please leave me a comment or e-mail me at my yahoo address located on the side bar. Thank you for your prayers. I did not sleep last night, I was so afraid of what they may find. I'm so grateful to God he doesn't have a brain tumor.

I made turkey soup for Thanksgiving. The kids wanted noodles and Chinese cabbage instead of corn and potatoes. I also decided to save my pumpkin pie mix for Christmas. I'm fasting sugar until Christmas and I love pumpkin pie. I am also doing some early Christmas decorating. Juergen will probably be spending Christmas week with his parents. His mom, most of you know is very sick. I want to enjoy as much of the season with him early.
Please pray for Philip. We have been worried about his development. He really can not remember anything. He will have an MRI tomorrow. We hope they don't find anything, but on the other hand we don't. It is frustrating not having any cause or treatment for his very serious learning problems. I think if they found something that could be corrected, that would be a blessing. It's been kind of worrisome. He isn't just a slow learner; skills he had learned are being forgotten. He is losing ground. He also stops in mid sentence, like he forgot what he wanted to say. He does this all the time. We need some answers.

Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in Germany. This is always so strange to me. I'm going to try to bake a pumpkin pie with my kids and cook turkey soup for lunch. I miss my family back home. I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to hug you all this year. I thank God I could also see all of Juergens family too this year. I thank God for all my friends both here and there. I thank God my mom traveled with us to China. I thank God Sarah loves me and owns me as her mama. I thank God for Philip, Thomas, Nicole and Jessica. Most of all I thank God for Juergen. He is the greatest gift God has ever given me apart from his own son Jesus. I thank God for his love! Have a Happy Thanksgiving America. I miss being there today most of all!

Deadlines near for overseas holiday mail deliveries (hint, hint)!!!

Nov. 13: Parcel post to APO/FPO and AE ZIP codes beginning 090-098, 340 and 962-966.

Nov. 27: Space available mail to APO/FPO and AE ZIP codes beginning 090-098, 340 and 962-966.

Dec. 1: Parcel airlift mail to APO/FPO to ZIP code 093.

Dec. 4: Priority mail and first class mail to Africa, Central and South America; parcel airlift mail to APO/FPO ZIP codes 090-092, 094-098, 340 and 962-966; first-class and priority mail to APO/FPO ZIP code 093.

Dec. 11: Priority mail and first class mail to Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East; first-class and priority mail to APO/FPO ZIP codes 090-094, 094-098, 340 and 962-966.
Dec. 12: Express mail to Africa, Central and South America.


Dec. 17: Express mail to Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East.
Dec. 18: Express mail to Canada, APO/FPO ZIP codes 090-092, 094-098, 340 and 962-966.

Dec. 19: Global Express Guaranteed to Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East.
Dec, 20: Global Express Guaranteed to Canada.

Last night I had another strange dream. I thought I would write it down for you. It might entertain you as you are preparing your mega Thanksgiving feasts. It was almost Halloween, and Microsoft Billionaire Bill Gates and his family decided to go trick or treating with our multicultural family. They sent a team of experts out to set everything up. The day before this event, a huge team of house cleaners arrived and cleaned my house (only a mom would dream such a thing). Then the day of the event, a chief came to cook the meal. I was certain they never eat anything prepared by someone who doesn't have the correct security screening! Finally people came to cloth my children in designer Halloween costumes. We of course were accompanied by special agents as we went trick or treating with the Gates family. None of the children were allowed to eat the candy we received. They did get a very generous bag of candy that had been through security. We had a lovely dinner together. Thomas showed off his Lego. Nicole showed off her art. Both received a full scholarship to the University of their Choice. A few weeks later the Gates family surprised us with an extreme home make over. While our house was being renovated, we were treated to a 5 star vacation in Hua Hin Thailand. You know it is winter because I am always dreaming of being in Thailand!

Sarah has her first play date with a little boy from the kindergarten. I had a really hard time waking her up this morning. She had a vaccination yesterday. I hope she is OK. I know the little boy has been counting on coming to our house. I wouldn’t want to disappoint him. Nicole’s best friend in kindergarten was also a boy. The photo was taken at Toys R Us. I took Philip and Sarah there after the doctor’s appointment. Sarah rode a bicycle. I told her she could get a bike for her next birthday. That’s in February. It doesn’t make any since to buy a bike now; it looks like it’s going to snow!

I'm totally in love with a very lovely 2 year old on CHI's new waiting list. Juergen doesn't show any sign of bending, so I'm going to tell you all about her. Who knows, she maybe meant to be your daughter? She just turned two years old. Her SN was ToF, this is 4 different hear defects. Jessica was born with this heart defect. It is correctable. It has been corrected in this beautiful girl. She is now healthy and normal. I can hardly believe she is still waiting...if only Juergen would bend! Oh well, my loss could be your greatest gain!

Sarah had her first dentist appointment. I know...I'm very late getting her to the dentist! I knew she had a mouth full of cavities. She had 5 cavities. The dentist filled one yesterday, and will fill the others next week. Sorry, no pictures. Today I take her to the doctors for a blood draw. We need to monitor her Hep B every 6 months. I'm also bringing Philip with me. We have a pretty long list of appointments for all the kids in the next 3 months. It can seem overwhelming at times, all the special needs. Sometimes I feel like I'm a bad parent for not being ahead of the game. For example, Sarah should have gone to the dentist 3 months ago. Other times I just feel human. If these kids were in orphanages, most of these things would never get done...OK I'm late. I will work off my list in time to work off the next list! Better late then never! Last night I had a dream. In my dream one of my kid’s teachers criticized us for not making it to the parent teacher conference. They implied we should not have adopted so many children if we were not going to have the time to make it to all the “important” meetings. I looked this teacher straight in the eyes (remember this was a dream) and said, which one of my children should I return to an orphanage so I could have the time to make it to your all important meeting? The teacher looked dumbfounded! The bottom line is, we can not do it “perfect”. We need to cover all the truly important bases. A lot of things just have to fall by the wayside.

We don't actually have Thanksgiving in Germany but I'm going to make Pumpkin pie with the kids, and also turkey soup. I'm not eating meat or sugar until Christmas, but I'm sure the kids will love this miniature Thanksgiving.
To make the perfect Turkey, place a washed turkey in a large plastic bag, and add a full bottle of brandy. Let this sit in the refrigerator for 3 days. Then bake the turkey in a Reynolds baking bag. The meat will fall off the bones.



Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 50 minutes

Ingredients
• 1 recipe Pastry for Single-Crust Pie (see below)
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 slightly beaten eggs
• 1 5-ounce can (2/3 cup) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk
Directions
1. Prepare and roll out Pastry for Single-Crust Pie. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the pastry. Trim to 1/2 inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry; crimp edge as desired.
2. For filling, in a mixing bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Add eggs. Beat lightly with a rotary beater or fork just until combined. Gradually stir in evaporated milk and milk; mix well.
3. Place the pastry-lined pie plate on the oven rack. Carefully pour filling into pastry shell.
4. To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of the pie with foil. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake about 25 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate within 2 hours; cover for longer storage. Makes 8 servings.
Pastry for Single-Crust Pie: Stir together 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender cut in 1/3 cup shortening until pieces are pea-size. Using 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of the bowl. Repeat moistening dough, using 1 tablespoon of the water at a time, until all the dough is moistened. Form dough into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edge into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare, bake, and cool pie as above. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
Test Kitchen Tip: You can use 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice for the spices in this pie.

Do you remember this sweetheart? She is 5 years old with Hep B as a special need. She still needs a family. Her file will be returned in 2 weeks. There is a $3500 grant towards her adoption. If you are interested you can see more information HERE.
It says on her file update that her development is normal. Please do not be afraid of her "possible" delay. She is now living with a foster family and seems to be just fine developmentally. Kids that live in orphanages often have early delays. Most of these kids can overcome the delays in a family, or in her case a foster family!

The Hallmark Channel has two new adoption stories posted online every week. It is always on the links on my sidebar if you lose the link. I just watched the story entitled Twice as much joy. The second part of this episode is a story about an older girl from China being adopted. I encourage you to take a look at the program. I also encourage you to open your heart to consider an older child adoption. We adopted Thomas when he was 7 years old. It was easier in many ways, and harder in others. But I am so glad we did it! It is heart breaking to see the hopeless eyes of these beautiful kids who see the babies come and go, and they have no hope of a family of their own! Madison Adoption Associates has a beautiful 6 year old girl with repaired Hydrocephalus on their waiting list. She is smart and healthy. If she was a baby she would be adopted right away, but she is almost 7 years old. There is another healthy older girl on CHI's list. Please take the time to watch the Hallmark story and maybe you will rethink older child adoption.

This is how you can help the women in China who lost her husband.

Bethany is accepting
contributions to support the family until December 31, 2007. Checks
can be made payable to Bethany Christian Services and please
indicate the Sheldon family on the memo line. Checks can be sent to
Bethany's Donor Records at 901 Eastern Ave NE, PO Box 294 Grand
Rapids Michigan 49501. Bethany Christian Services will give all
donations to the family for their "Hope for Hannah" fund."

This was posted on the Bethany forum this moring by one of Sandi's
> travel mates.
>
> I just thought I would let you all know that Sandi & Hannah were
> present for the swearing in ceremony this afternoon. They will be
> leaving tomorrow morning as the adoption is FINAL!!!!
>
> Sandi and her family (and her China travel family) are extremely
> grateful for all you have done on her behalf during this stressful
> and difficult time. Your actions and God's abundant grace have
moved
> mountains for Sandi and her family half way around the world. We
are
> giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for His FAITHFULNESS and His
> love! Sandi thanks you from the bottom of her heart. Please do not
> forget her and Hannah in the coming weeks and months, as they will
> need our continued love and support!
>
> Thanks again for everything!
>
> Eva, Patrick, and the China travel family

Here are 5 photos taken by Thomas. If you want to add your childs photos to our Friday Fun Foto link we would love to see them! Have a good weekend!

HERE is a news story about the family who lost the father in China. The father, Dennis Sheldon died in China this week from diabetic shock. The father was the primary petitioner of the US visa, so when he died the visa to the USA also died. The mother is getting help processing new visa paper work. Unfortunately the USA has needed to get very strict about the visa process. They have rules in place to protect the trafficking of children. I am sure they will figure out a way to expedite the process, but they will not break their rules. This is a lesson for all of you waiting to travel. Make sure both your names are on the important paper work. Also, if you have any medical condition, be sure to bring your medication with you when you travel. They treat diabetes differently in China(with different ways of measuring stuff). I don't know if that made any difference in this case, but be prepared to take care of yourself. If you have any medical issues, please check with your doctor before you travel! Over 1000 people called the Congressman on behalf of this family. People on the adoption web groups are raising money and reaching out to this family in very practical ways. This is very wonderful to see. People that adopt are part of a very loving community. If you would like to help this family, I think you could send money to the agency for the Sheldon family. They were with Bethany adoption services. Maybe you can contact the agency to see if they have a fund set up?

Philip & Thomas got fired from their first job. I gave them the responsibility of picking Sarah up from kindergarten. Yesterday I got called into the directors office for a talk. I guess the wild boys would arrive at the kindergarten, run through the school, announce to poor Sarah lets go, and just race each other home. Poor Sarah was left racing behind them, leaving half her stuff at school. Any way, the director told me the boys could not pick Sarah up anymore. It made me feel sick! I think the boys were just so caught up in racing each other, they forgot why they were sent in the first place. We hope they will be given another chance by the director in a few weeks. We want them to learn something...like how to be responsible. I know they can do this...they just made a mistake.

More prayer needed. The women in China who lost her husband (he died from a diabetic coma) is having allot of trouble getting home. The adoption is legal and final but the Americans will not give the child a visa to come home. It seems the husband was the petitioner of the visa, and he was the only one who could activate the visa. Now they want her to apply for a new visa, and that generally requires a new home study and takes about 2-3 months. The mom can come home, but the baby can not get into the USA. Congressmen have been contacted. Over 1000 people have called to complain. It's a nightmare...please keep praying!


Up date: I read this on a yahoo group about this case...

This is the statement from Mike Rogers office here in Michigan:

"Thank you for the calls and Support for Sandi & Hannah.
Congressman Mike Rogers is currently working on the case and is
actively speaking to the USCIS to streamline the process regarding
the I171. An adoption officer with USCIS is reviewing the case and
will get back to the Congressman ASAP. Hopefully we will hear good
news soon! USCIS is who we are waiting for! The Congressman has
talked to Sandi. Everyone is doing what they can to help Sandi &
Hannah."

I learn a great deal from my children. This morning Sarah was very sweet. She came from the other side of the room and cuddled in my lap. Then Juergen and the boys went to work and school. Sarah demanded to go to school NOW!!! I said wait, I had some stuff I needed to take care of first. My sweet Sarah turned very sour. She began to cry and shout. I don't know how you are, but I try never to give into this demanding tone. I quietly gathered my things and left the room. Sarah shouted orders at me for another 2 minutes before she fell asleep on the sofa. I took care of my business, and got dressed. Then I woke her up and took her to school. As I was walking home I thought about this. How am I with God? Do I demand what I want NOW!!! Can I get to the point of making my requests known to him without shouting orders like an overly demanding 4 year old? It really is all about trust.

Wouldn't you like to be the one who puts a smile on this 3 year old girls face? She has Hep B and is waiting on CHI's new waiting list. There are 20 beautiful boys and girls on this list go take a look...maybe you will find your next child!

Up Date: This cute girl already got her family! Isn't that great!!!

I have been tagged by Beverly to tell you 8 things about me.
...So, here are the rules of the 8 Random Things tag game:
1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. Let's start with Juergen. I met him when I was 28 years old. I was on a summer mission’s trip. I was a University pastor at San Diego State University and we were assisting a sister ministry in Munchen, Germany. Only one week before I left for this trip, I had gone on a date with a very important single Dr. in San Diego. The man talked only about himself, and I thought it was very boring. I was so amazed to met Juergen. I could not believe a person so right for me even exsisted in this world. Juergen and I have been married for 17 years and I have never been bored with him.

2. I still think I want to adopt again. I know that's crazy. I also know now is not the time. Maybe in 2009 and an older child. I would like Sarah to have a sister or brother her own age to grow up with. Juergen has not said yes to this crazy idea. I think it gives him peace that I said not now. Maybe he thinks I'll forget the idea...and maybe I think the idea will grow on him? Stay tune to see who wins this debate.

3. Juergens mom is very sick. She has 3 brain tumors. It looks like she will die. I spend a great deal of my day praying for her. I know I should accept this, but I am still praying for a miracle. I feel like God has called me to pray. He didn't give me any assurance it will prevent her death, in fact she may die. I feel His Holy Sprit saying that God will bless my prayers anyway. I just need to be obedient with my part. God always wants our obedience. I really love my mother in law. This is a very sad time for me.

4. I read the real estate section of the newspaper every Saturday morning. We own our house, but I'm always hunting for a big charming old farm house. I want high ceilings and wood floors and a fire place. My house is nice, but it isn't my favorite style. I love old stuff. This is a very bad habit, and I know I should just stop looking! There is something to be said for being happy with what you have. I want an old house and one more child...crazy!

5. I love coffee but I drink tee. Actually, I drink one cup of coffee every morning and tee the rest of the day. I think it's healthier that way. I'm not that healthy, but I'm making baby steps in that direction. I'm 46 years old and I've got to take care of myself. I've got to live to raise my daughter Sarah (she is only 4 years old).

6. I could watch Pride and Prejudice 5 times straight and never get bored. I have this movie in 3 different versions. I've read all of Jane Austen’s novels more then a few times. I could not really tell you why I just love her point of view. I guess it's because her characters really have noble principles they live by. They are basically good and correct people. They don't find satisfying their own desires a higher priority then doing the right thing. I love the loyalty I see in Elizabeth. She was willing to turn down wealth because she was loyal to her sister. I just love that!

7. I love to plant the plants in the spring time, but I hate the work of taking care of them all summer long. I need to be careful that I don't treat my kids the same way. It is so exciting to adopt them...but they are allot of work to take care of. I have a list of dentist appointments, and Doctor Appointments to set up for the kids. I've got high matinence kids. I really need to get to the laundry etc...

8. I didn't go to my prom. I did not have a date, and I didn't want to go with just anyone. I'm sort of glad I didn't just go with "anyone". My best friend in high school did just go with a guy that asked her. It ended up being a nightmare long date. I think good things don't always happen in the normal path most people take. It seems "everyone" goes to the prom, but I didn't. I took a different road and I did different stuff. I think everyone has to find their own path and sometimes that means you dance on the streets in Paris, and not in the school gym. At the time it seemed like a loss…but today it is such a minor thing.


I'm not going to tag 8 people for this, but if you want to do it then please leave me a comment & I will go read your post.

Sarah was fighting with her brother Philip today. They fight allot lately. They are oil and water. Anyway, I went into Philips room to break them up. I told Sarah she could come in the kitchen and work with me. She grabbed my arm and said "My Mama"! I think it was the very first time she has said my named in that overly possessive tone of hers. It felt kind of good! She helped me with the dishes. She just loves to work. I paid her too. I gave her a box of peanuts. She was pretty proud of her peanuts!

Praise God! Sarah's twin has a family!!! No, not us. I just read it on the agency’s yahoo group. She is such a beautiful girl. I am so happy she will have her own family!!!

Oh look at the time!!! I was shopping, and I bought Jessica some warm winter shoes. I looked at the shoe box and remembered I need to send my shoebox gifts out soon! If fact I've got 3 days to pack them. This is an annual thing we do with our kids. It may seem very small, but for thousands of kids around the world this is all they will get for Christmas. For them it is a very big deal! Please get busy and pack a few shoe boxes full of gifts for a child in need. If you can not pack a box, then please write a check to help pay for the shipping. And remember to do a good job...don't pack junk! Give like it was going to your own child...who knows, maybe it is!

In Germany look HERE.

I don't know if you have been following the adoption of Sera, a few posts down. They had their passports and visas stolen in a pack they carried to a local park. It looks like everything is getting worked out. I read one tip I thought was worth passing on. Besides never carrying those important papers around, and locking everything up in the hotel safe...make copies of your passports and visas and e-mail them to yourself in an attachment. This way if you do lose them, you can get the copies anywhere and anytime! Sera is having attachment problems. Pray for her new mom! I think the paper work nightmare is taken care of!

I just read this prayer request on a yahoo group. I know the writer of this prayer request; Jodi wouldn't mind me posting it here. Please pray for this family! This is a heart breaking situation. Please pray!

...I wanted to share a HUGE prayer request right now for a friend of
mine who is in China adopting her first and only daughter. Her name
is Sandi and her daughter is Hannah. Hannah is also a SN baby and
I'm not sure at the moment what her SN is, however. Sandi emailed me
a couple of days ago to pray for her husband, Dennis, as he had not
been feeling well because he is diabetic and his blood sugars have
been VERY high. We just got word this morning that he died from a
diabetic coma yesterday while there in Guangzhou. As you can
imagine, Sandi needs every prayer imaginable right now. Her mother
and brother are trying to get emergency visas to fly to China to
bring her home. We're also praying that their adoption of Hannah
will continue as planned and that China will not interfere.

Winkflash has another photo contest. This time it's the funniest face contest. The winner gets 2000 free prints. I am going to take some shots of my family and see what I can come up with. How about you?

Juergen is visiting his mom this weekend. Sarah fell asleep in my arms tonight. Life is so full of contrasts. We have the sadness of maybe losing Juergen's mom soon, and the joy of having Sarah. My kids give me so much hope. Sure they give me gray hair too...but I'm so blessed. She is so beautiful to watch when she sleeps. I still can not believe how far we have come together. I’m so grateful for the gift of being her mom.

HERE is the link to a family that got their daughter today. She has a serious cleft lip and pallet. The local folks have already approached the family and said if front of the child how ugly she is. Imagine, to the poor girls face! I can not wait to see how she looks in a few short months when that lip is repaired. It is hard in China. There are so many people, and life is just so hard for anyone who is not "perfect". Health care is very costly. It can really break a family. I think the Chinese are not mean, life is just very hard there. It is unbearable for the "disabled". She would have no future in China. Today she has a family that loves her, and will provide for her needs. She will be "normal" and she will be really loved and valued.

Sarah the super star!

St Martins fire

I would love to report to you that Sarah is 100% adjusted, but that just wouldn't be true. There is about 2% of her that just has a very hard time dealing with change. Maybe that's just her age (she is 4 years old) or maybe it's just our control freak Sarah. She really, REALLY likes to know what to expect. If you change her routine, she has a fit! This morning she was sleeping deeply (and she needs her sleep). Juergen normally wakes her up to say good bye before work. He tried to wake her, but she was sleeping deeply. When she woke up, she screamed bloody murder! I called Juergen on the phone (I think I interrupted his meeting), so Sarah could say goodbye to him. I thought that would help. It only caused her to move from fear to anger. She continued to scream and say she hated me and didn't want me! It's like she was blaming me for Juergen's unannounced departure. I stayed calm, but I also said I would not take her to school until she calmed down. Sarah is very stubborn. She dressed herself and grabbed her own shoes. I'm sure she would have tried to walk to school all by herself but I had locked the front door. So slowly she gave up her anger. Slowly she backed off her ledge and came to me and said sorry. After that long drama, I had to hurry to take her to school. They close the door at 9:30am. She is fine, and again poor mama needs some headache medicine. I think she trys to hurts me when she is hurt. She wants to reject me first...because she is afraid she is going to be rejected. We have come a very long way, but we are still not totally adjusted. These things take time. I know she loves me. She is just too use to the women in her life going away. It will take time for her to trust that I'm not going anywhere!

This is on the CCAA website
there is no longer a need for family size waivers for SN cases.


"The number of children in family under the age of 18 years does
not reach 5, and the youngest one should have reached the age of 1
year.
Adoption of special needs children will be exempt from the limitation".

What does this mean? It means in China, large families with 5 or more children at home are able to apply for special needs kids without seeking a family size wavier! That means if Juergen agrees to adopt again (a Juergen waiver is very hard to recieve...and most likely will not be granted) we could adopt a special needs child from China.

I just read this post on a yahoo group. Maybe it will be something for some of you?

If you are a fundraiser and need a grant, this is a good place to
start! A newer organization, The Asian Bridge, is a matching grant.
One of the founders, Geoff, is a super nice guy and would like people
to apply for thier grants! So take a look, you never know if this is
the grant that will bring your child home.

http://www.theasianbridge.org/

Sarah slept 3 hours yesterday afternoon. After that she felt much better. She went to school this morning. She was in a "I can do it myself" kind of mood. She dressed herself. She carried her own bag. She hung her coat up, and put her own house shoes on. She wasn't mean about it, just independent. Tomorrow night she gets to attend her firs St Martins day fire. The kids all make these beautiful lanterns and march and sing songs. Then there is a big bonfire. Hopefully she will be well for this big celebration. Here is the history of St Martins day. This is a very big deal in the South of Germany.

Here is a beautiful New York Times adoption story.

Sarah didn't seem herself this morning. I took her to kindergarten because she really wanted to go. The teacher called me to pick Sarah up early. She looked like she might be getting sick. She did not eat much lunch. After lunch I said "maybe we should take a nap?" Wrong answer! Sarah began to cry for her Papa. She stood at the door and cried like she did when we first came home from China. I've learned that her little dramas usually don't last long when she has no audience. I said I was going to my room to take a nap. She followed me and continued to cry for her Papa. I invited her to lay down with me. She said no nap. I said OK, we will just cuddle. With in 3 minutes Sarah was asleep. I'm sure she is sick and will probably sleep for hours. I know she does not hate me...I just said the N word (nap).

I have been reading a little more about adoption in Haiti. It is one of the least expensive countries in the world to adopt from. The need is very great. In Haiti, one in every ten children does not live to see their 4th birthday. The process looks pretty easy. Singles are allowed to adopt. You only need to be 30 years old. Haiti is only 2 hours away from Miami so the flight isn't too bad. You don't need to stay in the country long (only a few days). And best of all are the kids. They are beautiful children! Just look at this sweet 2 year old born on Sept 19Th (my dads birthday). Man she is so sweet!!! I could just eat her up! Look at that smile!!! Oh, if only I could get Juergen to say yes, just one more time! Here is her information.